Assessing city-level sports industry development and the impact of the sports consumption pilot policy: evidence from China

Purpose This study investigates the impact of the Sports Consumption Pilot Policy (SCPP) on sports development (SD) across 273 cities in China. Design/methodology/approach The paper develops a comprehensive measurement system for sport development, utilizing indicators such as the number of sports enterprises, registered capital, and the five-year survival rate of sports enterprises. Findings The research finds that the policy has significantly improved sport development in cities where it was implemented, although the effects vary by region. Research limitations/implications The analysis highlights the limited spillover effects of the policy on neighboring cities, suggesting that the policy's impact is highly localized. The paper concludes with policy recommendations to address regional inequalities and strengthen the resilience of small and medium-sized sports enterprises. Practical implications The paper concludes with policy recommendations to address regional inequalities and strengthen the resilience of small and medium-sized sports enterprises. Social implications The study examines the effectiveness of sport development policies in China, where sport development is a serious political concern and public resources are limited. Originality/value To date, no current study has examined sport development policies in China through use of a neural network-based Difference-in-Differences (DID) model.